Tell Your Story – How to Teach Success

Elizabeth Hoffner is a alumna of the Daniel’s College of Business. She graduated in 2018 with her Bachelor’s degree in finance. She is now a Senior Associate and Deputy Director at El Pomare Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Tell us a little bit about what you do in your job/community engagement role.

My role is to facilitate 1st Year Fellow meetings and help with their professional and leadership development. I help design and create the leadership content for the program along with coaching the 1st Year Fellows on a regular basis to help them fully reach their personal and professional goals.

What advice do you have for University of Denver students/alumni interested in this work?

If you are interested in exploring the non profit space and furthering your own professional development and leadership style, a fellowship is a perfect way to do that

What do you love most about your selected professional path?

The opportunity to see others reach their full potential make my job exciting and fulfilling. Coaching and developing is something that brings me joy.

What are some surprises or challenges people might not know about this line of work or community engagement?

It is hard work because it requires showing up curious every day and reenergized. It is also challenging because “success” looks different for all.

How did you learn about or secure this opportunity? What has been your most effective job search strategy in the past?

I spoke with alum of the program that were also University of Denver alum. I used my connections and networks to let them know I was looking for a job and what my parameters were.

How did your time at the University of Denver influenced, inspire, shape or prepare you for your professional path?

My time at DU allowed me to explore a variety of areas and connect with alum in different industries to help me find what I wanted to do. And while I love my current job I am still new on my career journey and as I change and pivot in the future I also know that I can lean on my fellow DU alum.

What career did you want to pursue when you were a kid? 

I wanted to be the first female president, so politics were appealing as a child. As an adult I am civically engaged but I don’t think I am as intrigued by it as a career path.

By Grace Braddish
Grace Braddish